If the event is a multi-garrison event or requires Legion Members to travel in excess of 50 miles the Sponsor may be asked to compensate the participating membership for travel expenses including but not limited to fuel, meals, lodging. The Sponsor may elect to provide travel, lodging and meals directly if they so choose.

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Sponsor may be asked to compensate the participating membership for travel and expenses including but not limited to fuel, meals, lodging. The Sponsor may elect to provide travel, lodging and meals directly if they so choose.

501st Legion Performance and Hospitality Rider Charity Events

The 501st Legion (hereafter referred to as “the Legion”, “the 501st“, and “Vader’s Fist”) is a Star Wars fan club dedicated to celebrating the Star Wars universe through costuming; specifically the costumes and characters of the Stormtrooper and other Imperial forces, as well as non-affiliated villains and denizens. The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.

The Legion recognizes it holds no claim over the costumes and characters it portrays, and that their use is a privilege extended by Lucasfilm Ltd. (LFL). The members of the Legion acknowledge and accept that while in costume, we represent the Star Wars brand and will do so professionally and responsibly at all times.

The Venue, Sponsor (hereafter referred to as “the Sponsor”) is the event coordinator, sponsor, venue, or other entity, organization, company or individual requesting and appearance by members of the Legion.

The Sponsor understands and acknowledges that the Legion is and entirely all volunteer organization and as such makes no guarantee of their ability to provide specific character types, and character quantities.

Depending on various conditions, 20 minutes to half an hour is the maximum amount of time a trooper-or any other helmeted or masked character-should go without a break. While it is possible a helmeted/masked character can go longer than this period of time, provisions should be made in scheduling to allow characters to take breaks during an appearance longer than 30 minutes. Breaks normally consist of of the masked character being able to go somewhere out of sight (in order to remove their helmet/mask, drink water and/or take a “quick breather”). “Open faced” costumes, such as Imperial Officers, Death Star Troopers and technicians can be available for longer periods. For larger/longer events, a 2 hour shift (with breaks interspersed every 30 minutes) is pretty much the maximum a fully enclosed character can handle without a substantial break.

Charity Event Definition

A charity event is any event sponsored by a reputable charity for the purposes of raising awareness or fundraising. Examples include Toys-For-Tots store appearances in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps, Blood Drives, Charity Fairs, Walks, and Runs, School Fairs, and Scouting Events.

It should be noted that the Legion does not participate in political or protest events.

Character Compensation

The Legion and its members do not accept appearance fees for charity sponsored events. However reimbursement for expenses may be required.

Travel and Expenses:

Sponsor may be asked to compensate the participating membership for travel and expenses including but not limited to fuel, meals, lodging. The Sponsor may elect to provide travel, lodging and meals directly if they so choose.

Minimum Requirements:

If the Sponsor is not local to the event, i.e. a national charity or marketing or promotional agency, the Sponsor shall provide a local contact with sufficient authority to be contacted by the local Legion Garrison Command Staff or Garrison Event Coordinator not less than two weeks prior to the event. The legion may request a longer lead time and contact information earlier for large venue events especially if more than 12 troopers are requested by the Sponsor.

The Sponsor shall provide at a minimum secure changing facilities and bottled water for Legion participants including costumed characters and handlers.

It is recommended that a minimum “performance area” be set aside for indoor promotional events of approximately 15 square feet per character, while this area need not be rigidly maintained adequate space is required for helmeted and caped characters (Stormtroopers, Clonetroopers, Darth Vader, etc) to provide a safe environment for both the Legion members and the general public. The area of visibility while in helmets is limited.

Example: Book Stores - a clear area typically used for reading and book signings is usually adequate. Walking the aisles and book stacks is not.

Legion Support Personnel

Many of the costumes provided by the Legion membership have limited visibility and freedom of movement. As such it is common for the Legion to bring support personnel or handlers to events. The handlers assist the costumed characters in dressing prior to the event and act as extra eyes and ears for the costumed characters. Our handlers are typically Legion members, family members, or potential new members who are working on achieving membership in the Legion.

Often the handlers will be additional costumed characters without helmets such as Imperial Officers Imperial Crew or they may be dressed in a Legion or Garrison shirt and jeans or slacks. Please advise the local event coordinator of the level of formality of your event so the Legion handlers may dress appropriately. Costume Costumed characters that typically require handlers are any helmeted or masked costume such as Darth Vader, Stormtroopers or any other costume involving a helmet or full face mask. The local Legion event coordinator will discuss the number of handlers they feel is appropriate for your event.

While handlers are there for the safety and security of the costumed characters the Sponsor is ultimately responsible for the security of the event.

Venue Relations:

The Sponsor is responsible for notifying and coordinating the event with local venue management, ownership and security.

Note in some commercial, common use and civil properties, i.e. malls, the venues or local jurisdictions forbid the wearing of masks or carrying of replica weapons in public. The appearance of costumed characters and the policy of the venue or local jurisdiction regarding prop weapons must be clarified and cleared by the sponsor not less than one week prior to the event.

The Sponsor agrees to allow full access to the performance venue and pre-performance facilities to the Legion members acting as costumed characters or handlers a minimum of one hour prior to the event. This requirement may be adjusted depending on the scope and scale of the event and a agreed upon by the Sponsor and the local Legion event coordinator.

Autographs and Photographs:

Autographs are often requested of the Legion members. It is the policy of the Legion to grant these requests. Members typically sign in a manor consistent with their character for example; TK-#### Storm Trooper or Darth Vader – SL-####. We cannot and will not require the purchase of an item to sign in, or a donation order to grant an autograph. The sponsor agrees not to require a donation in order to receive an autograph or take a photograph with a costumed character.

Note: Traveling with armor creates many challenges, additional baggage fees or insured express shipping may be required to deliver costumes to and from the event location if the member is traveling by air.

Required Amenities:

Changing Facility

Access to restroom facilities

Bottled Water

Requested amenities:

Clear clean tables

Chairs / Barstools

Meal and snacks if the event is scheduled to run more than four hours.

In general a good rule of thumb would be one (1) 2’ x 6’ or 2’ x 8’ table with chairs for every 3 to 4 characters. Due to restricted mobility, most armored characters cannot sit down in their costumes. “Bar stools” are an excellent seat for Stormtroopers if they are available.